Man accused of harming mother jailed

Bail was set at $700,000 Wednesday for a 45-year-old Muskegon man who is accused of seriously injuring his mother during an assault.

Clark Alan Cummings

Clark Alan Cummings was arraigned before 60th District Judge Michael J. Nolan on a charge of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder. The offense is a 10-year felony.

His mother, Gwendolyn Cummings, 76, was found Monday morning lying on the front enclosed porch of her home at 1346 Spring. Muskegon police said she appeared to have serious injuries and she was taken to Mercy General Health Partners Hackley Campus.

Police said the mother and son were seen and heard having a loud argument on Sunday afternoon and the son appeared to be intoxicated at the time.

A man going through the neighborhood in search of salvage cars to buy went to the door of the Cummings residence about 10:41 a.m. Monday, found the elderly woman and called 911. Police discovered signs of a struggle in the dining room, kitchen and front porch.

According to the court file, Clark Cummings is unemployed and lives with his mother.

Clark Cummings has been charged as a habitual offender, which could lengthen any prison sentence he receives if convicted. His court file shows prior convictions for attempted resisting and obstructing police and attempted first-degree retail fraud.